capture a fond memory or the likeness of a close friend or family member on the surface of your window! with inspiration from Kiki Smith’s 2017 Dallas Contemporary installation Pilgrim (an entire room of stained glass windows dedicated to a woman's most important life memories) use this lesson plan to reflect on good times past + new memories still yet to be made. 

ages 10 and up

supplies

black, window-safe marker

we suggest using either washable, dry-erase, or acrylic paint markers.

drawing from memory

step 1

reflect on a favorite memory of yours. 

• how old were you?

• where did this memory take place?

• what were you doing there?

• imagine the weather during that time. was it warm or cold, sunny or raining?

• what were you wearing?

• did you have family or friends accompany you?

• did something silly or exciting happen?

once you have visualized the whole scene, think of one specific moment in this happy memory.

step 2

draw on your window.

translate the moment you remember, along with all of its positive energy, onto the surface of the glass. 

reflect

out of all of the memories that you have, what is it about this particular memory that makes it your favorite?

how does this memory make you feel?

have you experienced a similar feeling at a different time in your life? when and why?

since this drawing is on a window, people on the other side of the glass will also be able to view your memory. what do you think they might learn or understand about you from seeing this drawing?

what kind of power might a memory have over how we approach the future?

drawing with a friend (while still social distancing)

even though we are all still practicing safe social distancing, it's nice to see a familiar face.

step 1

have a friend or family member stop by outside of one of your windows.

have them pose for you. 

it can be casual or silly, whatever captures their personality best!

step 2

carefully draw an outline of their body + features on your window. 

make sure to be as detailed as possible.

now, when they leave to return to their home, a piece of them will be left behind in the form of a portrait on your window!

reflect

how did seeing this individual make you feel?

how might this time apart from others have changed your feelings toward face-to-face interactions?

what new memories might you want to make with this person, + others, once this crisis is averted? 

leave your drawing on the window as a constant reminder of the great times that you have had, + the even greater memories still left to be made.

be sure to share your window drawing by using the hashtag #dcfromhome